Ian McMillan, a poet aged 70, believes that social media is enabling emerging poets to bypass the "gatekeepers" of the traditional poetry community. He will participate in the Ilkley Literature Festival alongside notable figures such as authors Jacqueline Wilson and Kate Atkinson, swimmer Mark Foster, and tennis coach Judy Murray.

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McMillan, who shares a daily Haiku on BlueSky, describes social media platforms as "liberating" for those looking to publish their work. He praised Instagram poetry for empowering individuals who might feel intimidated by the established poetry circles. "Social media is great for making people feel confident. To put something on Instagram, a poem or an image, is to actually publish it, isn't it?" he remarked, emphasizing that these platforms eliminate the barriers imposed by traditional publishers.

His latest book, *Red River Valley*, explores family life, everyday surrealism, and the impact of austerity on the Barnsley community, where he has lived his entire life. Born in Darfield in 1956, McMillan finds endless inspiration in his hometown. He begins each day with a morning walk, aiming to capture five unique observations from his long-time route.

McMillan humorously addressed assumptions about his living arrangements, stating, "Somebody said to me once, do you maintain a base in Barnsley? I said, yeah, I call it my house, to be honest with you." He added that many presume he resides in Surrey, only visiting Barnsley occasionally.

Reflecting on the community's resilience, he noted: "Barnsley has reinvented itself," citing the positive transformations witnessed since the austerity of the 2010s. He mentioned the excitement and regeneration in the town, which has attracted visitors from Leeds, signaling a revival for the area.

The Ilkley Literature Festival, running since 1988, holds a nostalgic significance for McMillan, who performed there in the 1980s. He recalled a past event at the festival's Fringe, describing it as a modest affair with minimal attendance. McMillan appreciates the festival's accessibility compared to the London literary scene, allowing more people to participate.

Another highlight for McMillan will be enjoying a traditional fat rascal at Bettys, joking about timing his treat to avoid any issues before his performance. The festival is set to continue until October 18.